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Organization Profile
The Office of National Mission (ONM) implements the policies of the Board for National Mission (BNM) and is responsible for domestic ministries that especially serve congregations and schools throughout the districts of the Synod (Bylaw 3.8.2.3). The ONM receives its primary focus from triennial mission and ministry emphases and priorities established by the national Synod in convention and from policies established by the BNM.
Reporting Relationships
Reports and is directly accountable to the Chief Mission Officer (CMO). Is ultimately accountable to the President of Synod. Works closely with President’s staff, and CMO’s other direct reports, including the Executive Director of the Office of International Mission, the Executive Director of the Office of Pastoral Education, the Executive Director of Communications, the Executive Director of Mission Advancement. Under the supervision of the CMO, serves as staff resource to the BNM. Supervises and oversees all ONM staff.
Essential Job Functions
Under the leadership and direction of the President, is responsible through the CMO for the supervision and oversight of all staff, programs, projects and activities of all ministries organized within the ONM that serve districts, congregations, schools and Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) throughout the Synod.
Principal Job Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement ONM strategic and operational plans so that the triennial mission and ministry emphasis and correspondent priorities (affirmed by the Synod in convention), the policies of the Board for National Mission and the President's goals are upheld, fulfilled and accomplished.
- Supervise ONM day-to-day operations and ministry, programmatic and coordinative functions, with focused emphasis on those that serve districts, congregations, schools and RSOs throughout the Synod.
- Facilitate fruitful consultation and collaboration with districts’ leadership/staff and—through the district offices—congregations, in order to support local mission and ministry initiatives, programs and/or services and to increase district and congregation capacities to achieve the Synod’s objectives.
- Consult and collaborate with LCMS senior leadership and staff, agencies and affiliated entities to formulate and implement procedures and structure that facilitate staff sharing, contribution and consultation on projects throughout the national office.
- Supervise ONM budget development and ongoing ONM financial performance, to facilitate proper accounting and management of revenues and expenses within approved budget amounts, categories and classifications. Ensure that the ONM plans are budgeted and executed in a cost-effective and timely manner.
- Serve as staff resource to the BNM, working with the board chair and CMO to develop board agendas, provide information, resources, reports and/or program updates as requested.
- Supervise the granting of RSO status to US-based organizations that have satisfactorily met all LCMS requirements and primarily serve constituents within the United States.
- Oversee the Synod's relationship with inter-Lutheran agencies.
- Assist with and participate on various task forces, committees and/or convention floor committees, as requested.
- Work closely with the Executive Director of Mission Advancement, donors, grantors, and other Synod constituents and stakeholders to initiate or nurture beneficial relationships as a means to generate additional funds and resources for ONM.
- Work closely with other national office unit executives to develop, review and improve inter-unit work flow processes, and to increase consideration of inter-unit impact and planning/operating efficiencies, in order to produce desired national office outcomes and demonstrate world-class stewardship of all resources.
Education and Experience
- Faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions and supportive of the Synod’s Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
- Rostered member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, commissioned or ordained.
- Master’s degree in theology, education, or related field; or the equivalent in practical knowledge and experience.
- A minimum of three years (five years preferred) experience serving in a non-profit, church-related organization.
- Significant senior leadership experience (supervising employee and/or volunteer teams of significant size within a multifaceted organizational structure) strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Keen knowledge of and concurrence with the doctrine, practices, mission, structure and programmatic ministries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
- Familiarity and ability to engage/work effectively with a broad spectrum of Synod stakeholders: LCMS senior national and district leadership, rostered workers, agencies, auxiliaries and other partners of Synod.
- Strong communication abilities, written and oral.
- Ability to understand and manage organization budgets and make appropriate leadership decisions from LCMS accounting systems and information.
- General awareness and familiarity with business administrative and management principles and responsible practices with respect to human resources, information technology, contractual arrangements, other legal matters, etc.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, teach and coach staff of significant size (currently 20+ directly employed within ONM, plus contracted consultants and other staff resources).
- Demonstrated discretion and judgment in confidential matters.
- Ability to prioritize activities and work effectively under the time and manpower constraints.
- Capacity to travel domestically on a regular basis.
Supervisory Responsibility
- The Executive Director is responsible for the development and all activities of the ONM staff who are working locally in-office and deployed remotely.